Clinical findings: Fucoidan relieves prostate symptoms
A groundbreaking clinical trial has shown that high purity Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan produced by Marinova relieved the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is a common health issue for men across the globe. Worldwide estimates place prevalence at 50-60% of men in their 60s, increasing to 90% of men in their 80s. While it is typically non-life-threatening, bothersome urinary symptoms – including difficulty passing urine, a weak stream and an increase in the frequency of urination – often result in a significant reduction in quality-of-life. To date, a limited number of natural compounds have been clinically studied and shown to help relieve BPH symptoms.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan supplementation on men with moderate BPH (prostate enlargement). In the 90-day trial overseen by clinicians, 88 men aged between 45 and 80 years received either a daily fucoidan supplement or a placebo.
The study utilised the widely recognised International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess changes in BPH symptoms.
Key study findings
Compared to the placebo, participants taking the fucoidan supplement showed:
- Statistically and clinically significant improvements in overall BPH symptoms
- A more than nine-fold improvement in voiding symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of emptying, intermittency, weak stream and straining)
- A two-fold improvement in storage symptoms (encompassing the symptoms of frequency, urgency and nocturia)
- A significant improvement in quality-of-life due to urinary symptoms
Speaking of the trial, lead author of the paper and Marinova’s Research Director Dr Barbara Wimmer said, “This was an incredibly rigorous study delivering statistically and clinically significant results. We expect these findings to result in the commercialisation of fucoidan to help relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
‘Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida improves benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms in men: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study’ was published in Research and Reports in Urology.
An overview of the clinical trial is presented in the short video below. Further details of the study are highlighted on Marinova's featured research page.